Emperor's Pampered Cannon fodder

Dedicated to @Maskedangel18

Princess Qiao Tan?!

Gongsun Li wanted to scream, but the gag in her mouth kept her silent.

This idiot actually thought she was Princess Qiao Tan?!

She couldn't hide the astonishment flashing on her big round eyes as she glared at her kidnapper with fury. He barely looked old enough to be called a man—probably her age or younger. With that ridiculous grin and the mischievous sparkle in his eyes, he looked more like a troublemaking brat.

"I've heard countless praises about your beauty," he said, scratching his chin as he examined her.

The weight on her chest lightened, and pride filled her heart. Gongsun Li sat a little straighter, her ears perking up.

Ah, so this world also couldn't ignore my dazzling beauty, huh? Hehe, what can I say? I'm just so—so beautiful! (blush, blush)

Her cheeks flushed as she waited eagerly to hear more compliments. Her kidnapper, named An Ran narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.

"But to me, you look more like..."

Her heart raced. What would he say? A goddess? A fairy? A phoenix?

"...A pig."

What?!

"You definitely look like a pig," he declared, his eyes closed as if unveiling the secret of the universe.

Gongsun Li's mind went blank before rage bubbled inside her.

Pig, your grandma! Pig, your ancestors! Pig, your whole family!

Later—

She woke up groggily from a nap, blinking when she saw the boy enter the room holding food. Her stomach growled, but the ropes around her kept her bound like a silkworm in its cocoon.

"You're awake?" he asked.

G.Li resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

No, I am not awake. I am sleeping with my eyes open.

He pulled the gag from her mouth, making her cough. "Eat," he ordered, digging into his own food.

Her eyes narrowed.

How does he expect me to eat with my hands tied?!

"Untie me," she said flatly.

"Why would I do that?" he replied, looking at her like she'd lost her mind.

Can I strangle him now?

Then, realization seemed to dawn on him. Grinning widely, he warned, "Don't try anything funny, Princess," and untied her hands.

Funny? Now I will show you how funny I can be!

The moment her hands were free, she lunged at him, scratching and wailing like a wildcat. Her nails left angry red marks all over his face before he managed to pin her down and tie her up again.

Now out of breath, the boy stood glaring at her, his face red as a cooked shrimp and covered in scratches. Gongsun Li, despite being bound again, puffed up with pride.

Take that, you brat! My dear Chu Chu, thank you for teaching me the art of scratching. Mamma is so proud of you, tears'!

However,all her joys vanished and was replaced with horrible surprise when her kidnapper's voice reached her ears, "You're a lot feistier than that lousy author described."

Author?! What did he just say?!

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Relief. That's what he felt every time she was close—like the world finally made sense when she was with him. He didn't have to fear for any conspiracy, any plot with her. Because he knew she was too foolish to do so, too naive, too precious. But now, his only source of peace was snatched away from him. His only hope to live like any other man, happy with his family was crushed before his eyes.

A searing pain tore through Zhu Zhen's chest as he sat alone in the suffocating darkness of his chamber. His bloodshot eyes darted around the room, desperate, searching for something—anything—to ease the emptiness.

Memories flooded his mind like scenes from a film—how she used to snore loudly on the couch, how she'd stash stolen food in the corner like a guilty child. He could almost see the sparkle in her eyes when she grinned, lost in a daydream, or that shy, nervous smile whenever he caught her gaze. What wouldn't he give to see that smile again, to have her back in his arms?

The search for her had consumed him. He'd turned his entire empire upside down, sending guards far and wide. Nothing. She was nowhere.

A humorless chuckle left Zhu Zhen's lips when he remembered his subordinates' scared shitless faces when they stood before him.They never saw him like this. He was always a calm composed king, the embodiment of control. To see him unravel over a mere concubine left everybody stunned.

His bloodshot eyes again roamed his chambers until they froze on a message smeared across the wall in blood-red letters:

Your princess is captivated, crying in my den.
You don't have much time, My King. Find me, if you can.